- The evaluation of the performance of the allocation plan highlights the challenges of maintaining minimum river flow criteria with hotter and drier conditions due to climate change
- Allocation limits for the Middle Canning have been reduced, and river release arrangements have been adjusted, without affecting current water users
- Evaluation updates the long-standing river release arrangements that provide additional water to support the river's values in very dry years
The State Government has released an evaluation of the 2012 Middle Canning River surface water allocation plan, continuing its commitment to sustainably managing Western Australia's precious water resources.
As climate change intensifies pressures on Western Australia's water systems, managing water resources in a way that balances water use, environmental health and community expectations is more important than ever.
Covering the section of the Canning River flowing from Canning Dam to Kent Street Weir, the Middle Canning surface water allocation plan supports the river's cultural, community, and ecological values while serving more than 60 licensed water users and approximately 30landholders with riparian water rights. This allocation plan was established to set allocation limits for surface water use and 'river release' rules.
Carefully managed releases of treated scheme water by the Water Corporation from Canning Dam help protect the values of the Middle Canning River. The Middle Canning River is not only essential to the ecology of the Swan-Canning catchment but holds deep cultural significance for Whadjuk Noongar people and is an invaluable part of the lives of residents across Armadale, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Canning.
Over the past decade, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has introduced important measures, such as recouping unused water entitlements, reducing allocation limits and adapting river release rules to help protect the river's ecological values and ensure it continues to flow for the benefit of all.
Future reviews of ecological water requirements and the river release rules for the Middle Canning River will be undertaken to respond to future climate change risks.
Read the statement: Middle Canning River surface water allocation plan: 2024 evaluation statement
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"This evaluation statement for the Middle Canning River underscores the type of world-class science that helps us make the right decisions for the future.
"The Middle Canning River is facing challenges associated with hotter and drier conditions due to climate change. Our approach to water management must adapt to help ensure the ongoing health of our rivers.
"In response to climate change, allocation limits for the Middle Canning River have been reduced where necessary, and river release arrangements have been adjusted over time to better support the river's values in very dry years."
